Sports Illustrated names Madison the best college football town in the US

UW running back Jonathan Taylor breaks away for a touchdown in the second half during Wisconsin's 31-17 win over Rutgers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison last Nov. 3.(Photo: RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Sports Illustrated just announced what Badgers fans have already long known: Madison is the best town for college football in the country.

The magazine compiled a list, released Monday, of what it called "the 10 best college towns" in celebration of college football's 150th anniversary. ns based It is based on attributes such as the food and drink scene, culture and environment.

Madison, despite its sometimes frigid late-season temperatures, secured the No. 1 spot for its picturesque location around Lakes Mendota and Monona and the Memorial Union Terrace, which the magazine says "might be the most delightful spot in the Midwest," in addition to the city's great eateries.

Madison beat out other towns with high-profile college football teams, including Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Oxford, Mississippi, home to Ole Miss.